Firefighting at 72: Defying Age and Serving Community

An Unbelievable Journey

If you had told me when I was much younger that I would be a firefighter at 72 years old, I would never have believed it.

Here I am… still a valuable asset to the fire department I belong to. Maybe this isn't for everyone, but for me, it gives purpose in serving my community.

I joined eight years ago, encouraged by a friend and neighbor. We were attending the local Firemen’s Ball, a fundraiser supporting our fire department. When he suggested we sign up as volunteers—him being 58 and me 64—I just laughed.

Realizing Age Is Just a Number

 At the time, I didn't realize that age wasn’t a barrier as long as you were in good shape and capable of performing basic firefighting duties. I decided to give it a try. When we arrived at the weekly meeting for our first orientation, we were surprised to find ourselves among peers. We weren’t the old men we thought we were; the average age in that meeting ranged from 55 to 60. That put me just above the median age, and given my fitness level, I blended right in.

Before I got involved, I assumed that volunteering with the fire department would be similar to hospital or nursing home volunteering—wearing a name tag, helping with directions, or assisting someone in a wheelchair. That assumption was quickly dismissed. The complexities and dangers of firefighting became clear through training. I had to adapt and learn the many intricacies involved.

The Professionalism of Volunteer Firefighters

Our fire chief frequently emphasized in training, “The difference between volunteer firefighters and career firefighters is that they get paid.” While full-time firefighters receive extensive training and are often younger, I’ve come to understand his point after eight years of service. Volunteer firefighters earn immense respect from professionals for their commitment and capability.

The physical requirements are lower, but not without a minimum aptitude. I remember taking the pack test—a three-mile walk with a 45-pound vest, required to be completed in under 45 minutes. I managed to do it in around 42 minutes for my first four years. After that, as I approached 68, I chose to give up my red card and the test—not because I failed, but because I felt it wise not to push my limits.

The Role of Volunteer Firefighters

The experiences I’ve had over the years have been nothing short of heroic for our volunteer men and women. Our department includes highly qualified women in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and firefighting. EMS plays a crucial role, as they respond to most calls, including motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), structure fires (SFs), wildland fires (WLFs), and more.

Living in Montana has its challenges, just like many other communities in the U.S. Our greatest concern is wildland fires, which can devastate entire areas. We’ve all seen the destruction caused by fires in California and other regions prone to dry conditions and high winds. This is why volunteer fire departments are so essential. Our rural community cannot support a full-time department due to a small tax base and a vast area to cover.

The Yellowstone Flood of 2022

In June 2022, the Yellowstone Basin flooded, devastating parts of Yellowstone Park and surrounding communities as the river overflowed. Multiple volunteer fire departments across the basin were among the first responders, rescuing stranded individuals and securing flooded areas. I remember the overwhelming impact—homes and bridges destroyed. That morning, as the sun rose, I stood at the road leading to Yellowstone Park, turning away disappointed travelers unaware of the devastation ahead.

The Community’s Gratitude

The response from the community when they see us in action—whether during a life-threatening emergency or a precautionary measure—is always one of gratitude. People wave, give us a thumbs-up, or simply say, "Thank you." Those small gestures mean so much to us. They are like medals of honor, recognizing our dedication.

Our fire department is funded through a combination of taxes and donations, allowing us to build an all-volunteer team of top-tier first responders who keep our community safe.

Answering the Call—Every Time

When the alarm sounds in the middle of the night or during a workday, I, along with many others, respond without hesitation. We rush to the station, gear up, and do what we were trained to do—serve our community. It is an honor to wear this badge and stand alongside my fellow firefighters.